Today is my mother’s birthday. Even though we lost her to Breast Cancer in 1999, I still look forward to and honor this day in her Memory. She was a multi-faceted and amazing woman. She only lived 76 years but did so much and a lot of it was trailblazing for women.
One of the many things that I believe made her an amazing mother is that I always felt loved and wanted. She instilled the belief that we could do anything we wanted and set our minds to. This is huge because I am a female Baby Boomer and women were still denied basic human rights when I was growing up. In addition, she loved children and our friends were always welcome. Our home was often full of the neighborhood children who enjoyed the pool and other fun activities. I still have some of those friends and they always speak so highly of Mom.
During WW II she was in the Navy and worked with pilots teaching them how to jump out of airplanes. In those days it was unique enough to be a woman in the armed forces, much less to specialize in such a totally male dominated part of the Navy. I love the photos of her in her navy uniforms.
I will forever be grateful that she invited me into her business of Leads Club 37 years ago. I was at a transitional point in my life when she asked me to work with the 7 Chapters here in San Diego. I had no idea what I was getting into, but her confidence and trust, gave me the courage to try. Leads Club has given me so much, first and foremost are the amazing businesspeople I have the honor of working with every day. Some come in for a year or two and others are here 30+ years. It is inspiring to watch their businesses, confidence and speaking abilities grow.
Along the way I have made lifelong friends and learned so much. I wish I could count how many 10-minute presentations I have heard over the years, teaching me about many different types of businesses. The fact that Leads Club creates a close and trusted community where the goal is to get to know each other so well that you are willing to open your sphere of influence and refer is where the friendships come in. At the end of the day, Networking is all about building those business friendships.
Here we are, 42 years since Ali founded Leads Club and I am reminded of one of her favorite sayings/pieces of advice:
“Always catch them doing something right”!
Truly timeless. Just think about how this applies today as we are in such a difficult time in our country. That one word or action of kindness can truly make a difference in someone’s life. So often we get to hear about shortcomings or faults, and to have someone compliment you (sincerely of course) on something, can really make your day. It continues to be my goal to find the good and say it. Just think about the last time someone paid you a compliment or acknowledged you in some way. It feels great!
Let us go out today and everyday and make it a point to Catch everyone we connect with, doing something great!
Happy Birthday Ali/Mom, I miss and love you.
Respectfully,
Lisa Bentson Leads Club President and CVO